VACANT

Once it was filled with love and warmth,
Now it's an empty shell,
No chiming clock stands in the hall,
Like a guarding sentinel,
The fireplace, now a pile of bricks,
With no mantelpiece to hold
The precious things and photographs,
Fond memories to unfold,
The bathroom, stripped of fittings too,
So vacant and forlorn,
The kitchen stark and curtainless,
Bare cupboards, paper torn,
Each room unloved, deserted,
Where once they overflowed
With happiness, and loving care
On each item was bestowed,
Turn away, without regret
From the barren wall and floor,
Awaiting someone's loving care,
To make it home once more.

Imran Nazeer

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